Closet Case

A stylish new partnership between St. Regis Bal Harbour and Neiman Marcus is a fashionist’s dream.

Heading to Bal Harbour for the day (or the weekend) usually involves a shopping trip or two. There are other indulgences to be had in the “Square Mile of Style,” but a peek at the luxe Bal Harbour Shops is pretty high on the priority list.

These days, the St. Regis Bal Harbour, which went up across the street from the Shops a little more than a year ago, vies for our attention. We want to shop, yes, but what about those amazing oceanfront day villas that include everything from WiFi to an Evian spritz? Or the nightly Champagne sabering ritual at The Bar? Or the Remède Spa’s truly indulgent 24-karat (as in gold) facial? The resort’s powers-that-be must have felt our predicament, because they now offer a clever little program called the Neiman Marcus Closet at the St. Regis Bal Harbour. It’s as easy as a Pucci caftan: Before checking in, fill out a questionnaire about your style preferences and body-type details, and voilà—an edited selection of merchandise will be waiting for you in your guest-room closet. Buy what you want; the St. Regis butler will return the rest.
There are some pluses to this. First, everything is pre-arranged so you don’t have to go through the personal-shopping exercise, which can feel a bit like retail boot camp. Second, you can check into your suite at 6 p.m. and instantly have something new—accessories and all—to wear to dinner. And there is something to be said about forgoing the rigors of browsing, not to mention carrying piles of shopping bags.
But the most important benefit is the extra time you’ll have to enjoy resort amenities like the new sushi menu at The Bar, which by itself is worth a trip down. It’s a totally authentic experience down to the wasabi paste, which is made tableside by rubbing the fresh root on a sharkskin grate—and the ideal scene for showing off new covetables. (305-993-3300, stregis.com/balharbour)

The Neiman Marcus Closet (above and left) includes edited pieces chosen according to the guest’s style preferences and posited in her suite (below).